Photo Camp: Crimea

Black Sea and Gate, Crimea

Photograph by Ilias, Ukraine

In June 2010, National Geographic Photo Camp headed to Crimea, a Vermont-sized peninsula that juts down from mainland Ukraine into the Black Sea. There, photographers Jay Dickman and Matt Moyer worked with 20 local students, mentoring them through the process of photographing, editing, and designing a portrait of the Crimean coastline. The students paid special attention to the region's natural environment, as well as their own connection to the water. The week resulted in the creation of a print exhibit that documented the students' experiences at the camp, which was held in partnership with Internews, an international media development organization currently working in Ukraine.

In this photograph taken by student Ilias, a gate appears to frame the Black Sea.

Girl Jumping, Balaklava

Photograph by Lera, Ukraine

A girl jumps off a wall into harbor waters in Balaklava.

Lifeguard, Crimea

Photograph by Elen, Ukraine

A lifeguard warns a young beachgoer in Simeiz. Photo Camp student Elen paid close attention while composing her photographs to tell a story about her surroundings.

Row Boat, Crimea

Photograph by Nurie, Ukraine

A man enjoys the sunset in a row boat on the Black Sea. Photo Camp students were able to get a different perspective and photograph the Crimean coastline from a boat ride on the Black Sea.

Dried Fish

Photograph by Andry, Ukraine

Patterns created by dried fish positioned under a net

Balaklava Beach, Crimea

Photograph by Dilyara, Ukraine

Beachgoers enjoy the late afternoon sun in Balaklava.

Beach Scene, Crimea

Photograph by Lutfie, Ukraine

View of a beach scene from a seaside vendor

Red Leaves

Photograph by Mavile, Ukraine

Red leaves backlit by sun

Street Vendor, Crimea

Photograph by Diana, Ukraine

A street vendor poses for a photograph by Photo Camp student Diana.

Strawberries

Photograph by Ann, Ukraine

Strawberries at an open-air market

Saxophone Player, Balaklava

Photograph by Alona, Ukraine

Saxophone player

Girl and Scooter, Balaklava

Photograph by Elina, Ukraine

Young girl and red scooter

Flowers on a Window Sill

Photograph by Emma, Ukraine

Capturing light and shadow, Photo Camp student Emma composed a still life consisting of small potted plants behind a lace curtain on a window sill.

Dog, Crimea

Photograph by Anton, Ukraine

A dog comes in close to check out a young photographer and his camera—and a picture is made. Students were encouraged to get low, get high, and move in close to their subjects while learning how to make photos from different angles.

Girl Smoking, Crimea

Photograph by Nastya, Ukraine

Photo Camp student Nastya captures a moment showing light and color as a young girl blows smoke into the air.

Man Smiling

Photograph by Jenya, Ukraine

Among the assignments given throughout the week, taking portraits of local people was a challenge each student rose to. This portrait of a man resting in the shade near a beach provides a glimpse into the local people of Crimea.

Beach Portrait, Crimea

Photograph by Umer, Ukraine

A man poses with a young boy for one Photo Camp student at a beach in Balaklava. One assignment students were given involved making a photograph that showed relationshiops between people.

Beachgoers, Crimea

Photograph by Vova, Ukraine

Beachgoers enjoy a moment and a cool breeze as clouds pass over a hot summer sun in Simeiz.